Rotational Properties of Small Asteroids: Photoelectric Observations of 16 Asteroids

Abstract Continuing the observational program started in 1984 on small asteroids (diameter smaller than about 50 km), we present the results of photometric observations performed with a 1-m telescope at the ESO (La Silla, Chile). A total of 56 single-night lightcurves for 16 asteroids were obtained. All the objects were observed for the first time and the rotational periods have been determined for 11 (142 Polana, 188 Menippe, 278 Paulina, 526 Jena, 564 Dudu, 1087 Arabis, 1105 Fragraria, 1214 Richilde, 1514 Ricouxa, 2791 Paradise, 3052 Herzen). For 655 Briseis, 823 Sisigambis, 847 Agnia, 1591 Baize, and 3237 Victorplatt the complete rotational phase was not covered and in some case only an indication of the rotational period has been possible.